Tag Archive: Joe Bongiorno

One of the great things about Joe Bongiorno is that he often highlights other artists who provide the kind of thoughtful, earnest music he does. For instance, he just released a collection of music called “Whisperings Solo Piano Volume 1.” You can buy the CD here.

While listening to that collection, I heard for the first time a piece called “Awaken The Dawn” by Stanton Lanier, a pianist I’d also never heard of before. Well, I’m now a big fan of his music.

You haven’t heard this song yet? Check out the video below:

Here’s the description of the CD from the website: “‘Whisperings Solo Piano Volume 1′ was recorded on a Kawai RX7 grand piano at Piano Haven Studio in Seattle, Washington. No equalization or additional sound ‘coloring’ was added to the recording (only soft limiting and minimal ambience).” You’ll get to see that piano later in this blog entry.

Yesterday, I started off with videos of some of my favorite musicians. Today, I’m going to continue that theme and highlight even more of my favorites!

I recently did an entry about Joe Bongiorno from Seattle, Washington. I came across his music on the web, and again, it was love at first listen. Not long ago, he invited fans to attend an online concert he and some of his fellows were holding at his home, and I was happy to get home from work just in time to attend. It was great fun, the music was superb, and it helped me get to the end of a busy work week. Here’s one of his great songs, “Tears Of Joy.” He’s actually performing the song from the same location he was in during his recent concert:

It’s been a while since I’ve highlighted my joys in music. Since I’ve just discovered a great musician who has a very interesting story, I thought I’d point him and his music out today.

I’ve mentioned previously how much I love piano music. There’s something very special about a person and an instrument making gorgeous music together. That’s not to say I don’t like bands or orchestras–I do! But in the last few years, I’ve come to appreciate music that has an “earnestness” to it. By that I mean, it isn’t just elevator music that trundles along with no purpose but to provide a background noise. No, this music has real feeling to it–it can make me swoon or dance or reflect on life in general.

Of course, the musicians I’ve listed previously include Jim Brickman, Jim Chappell and Bryce Miller, among others. But today, thanks to the Internet, I discovered a new favorite–Joe Bongiorno.

Now where I come from, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, a guy with that name would have to run a pizza parlor. And the pizza would taste great, too, by the way. Then, too, to look at a photo of Joe, one might think he resembles a fullback more than a musician, like he ought to tackle the piano instead of play it. But things don’t just end there. (And his story reminds me of my experience with my father as well.)